The Springfield-Greene County Library provided flyers for our students concerning the summer reading program. It started May 16 and continues through August 8. I will begin a record sheet here for my students that you may continue to use after Friday.
This is a terrific opportunity to keep kids into books throughout the summer. It has been proven that kids backslide a reading level if they aren't reading while on summer break. The gameboard can be printed from the library's website: thelibrary.org/everywhere Check out the "Pictures" page for a peek at our field day.
Next week will be full of fun and sadness. We will wrap up the year with reflections about friendships, learning, and favorites. Friday is our end-of-the-year party from 10:30 to 11:40. Please join us if you are able. Kids can wear their school t-shirts and have friends sign them and bring their yearbooks as well. They will also have memory books to do the same. I am overwhelmed by your show of appreciation this week! In the past most room parents have sent home notes like Traci did, but never have I had such an outpouring of gifts. I told the kids that my heart feels like a huge, heart-shaped bubble around me - it can't possibly fit inside. They are having a good time spoiling me and laughing at my reactions as gifts pour in. Thank you from the depths of my heart for showing me that what I do matters so much. Check out the "Pictures" page for a peek at my special week.
Several kids were torn about wearing costumes or my favorite color today. We talked about how I love so many colors that I had a hard time picking one. Each child got to show me where one of my favorite colors was on their clothing today. It was really sweet. A note is in every child's backpack today concerning an end-of-the-year blast. Traci (Colton's mom) asked if she could coordinate a party for us, and I'm guessing many of you would love to have a special time to say good-bye. We will be celebrating May 2 from 10:30 to 11:40. Our special class time is at 11:45. If you join us, you can take your child home at 11:45. Simply check out in the office. Traci is asking for $2 each to cover food and drinks. If you have ideas or want to help additionally, feel free to contact her. Kids can bring their yearbooks or Tiger T-shirt to have others sign. Send a Sharpie as well. A backpack must be sent for those last-minute items being sent home. Field Day is Thursday, May 14 from 9:30 to 11:30. Coach Ferguson is in need of volunteers to help with the activities outside. She has them planned, she simply needs people to show each group how to play and be the coach. Teachers have to stay with their class, so volunteers are not alone! If you are interested, email [email protected] or call Stan and ask to be transferred to Coach. Important notes for Field Day: *If you are joining us, I need to know. We start at 9:30. *Your child should be dressed for the weather. We go out unless there is a downpour. *Apply sunscreen at home. *Sunglasses and hats are allowed. *Tennis shoes and shorts should be worn. *Send a jacket for chilly weather or drizzle. *You may send a lunch or order the school sack lunch. We will eat around 12:00. If it is smothering hot or drizzling, my class will eat inside. Otherwise we will eat on the playground. I will create a lunch survey for you to complete on-line. Please watch for it. *The heavy-rain date is Friday, May 15th. Kids learned facts about frogs this week that you may be surprised about. Ask your child what type of animal a frog is. Ask what the difference between a frog and a toad is. Ask how frogs breath in water and on land. We've had so much fun with this unit. Feel free to send in frogs you find for us to observe! Writing is about editing this week. Kids need to be able to look at previous work and catch mistakes that make writing difficult for others to read. Using capital letters in the right places, spaces, correct punctuation, and spelling with a vowel for each syllable is a must. The organization is a biggie as well. I am so proud of the growth that is clearly visible in my writers. Next week we are using the book Knuffle Bunny for writing. If you own it and don't mind to loan it to me, please send email me and send it Monday. Math is review work such as addition story problems, teen numbers, and measurement. I am retesting kids that have not mastered all standards at this time. Check Mastery Connect for updated scores!!! I have just about every grade recorded that you will see on the final report card. If you look now, you can ask questions about anything that doesn't make sense to you. I will be sending portfolios home next week for you to keep. This is a wonderful show of growth in your child. No, not every child is at the same level in any subject, but all of my students have grown. That is very important to remember as you look over your child's work throughout the year. You have made a difference, and you always will. Next week our theme is ocean animals and the word family is -ick. If you have a cool activity or lesson you want to share about ocean animals or habitats, I'd love to have you visit! Reminder: Book orders are due tomorrow. I will work on submitting orders between 12:45 and 1:30. Happy weekend:) Ten more days :( and :) We have had a busy week! The kids know all about insects and their characteristics, and what many insects look like up close. Non-fiction books are fun to use this way. Next week we learn about frogs --- I need a fishbowl full of tadpoles.....anyone??? We will discuss the differences between tadpoles and frogs, and frogs and fish. We get to study another life cycle and learn about metamorphosis. I think we will have fun with our frog unit.
Kids know how to spell any word that rhymes with "cake" now that they know the word family "-ake". Anytime you can practice with words that rhyme and look alike at the end can make your child stronger in spelling, reading, and writing. Our word family next week is "-ell". Seeing the kids' writing is a joy right now. I love this time of the year. They love to show off what they have learned, and they aren't afraid to write. I've given the final opinion writing prompt, and I'm very proud of my kids. They seemed to get into telling others what to do and what not to do. They've learned to do it in a nice, persuasive way as well. I will put this in the portfolio for you to have during our last week of school. We will finish their current pieces and work toward editing, then write other types of books to keep them practicing. The unit "Measuring and Comparing" is finished. Kids are able to measure with non-standard items such as counting bears and connecting cubes. They can use the terms "lighter" "heavier" to describe weight, and "longer than," "shorter than" to describe length. We will be sharpening math skills for the next three weeks by revisiting some of our previous concepts. Mrs. Pierson asked me to remind parents about "Teacher Appreciation Week" next week and the note that was sent home concerning spoiling me. (Yes, I feel a bit guilty getting to remind you, but I was asked to). Your support throughout the year and the kind comments on the "Parent Survey" completed electronically in April have already been a generous show of appreciation. As a group, this class of kids have had the most supportive parents I've ever had. I truly appreciate all of you. Reminders: I have a meeting Wednesday the 6th - yippee for me! The last book order will be due Friday the 8th. I will be adding pictures from Fine Arts night and the Tiger Pride Assembly this weekend. Check the "Pictures" page Sunday. |
AuthorMrs. Christine Bailey Willard South Homepage
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May 2019
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